Solitude
If we only stimulate our children…that’s not good. A sense of solitude is one of the most beautiful things a parent can give a child. (Henry Nouwen, 20th-century Dutch professor)
In the non-stop life pace for most, this word of caution should be helpful for today’s parents. For example, with the emphasis on children’s sports—involving almost total immersion in the sports world from early childhood, it’s good to consider Nouwen’s words. Like adults, children need some time to be quiet, learning to be still, to enjoy life, and to think— as early as possible.
For everything there is a season, . . . A time to be quiet and a time to speak. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7)